University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, Colorado, United States
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder involves a combination of a medications and psychosocial interventions (e.g., counseling, skills development and standard medical management) aimed at improving treatment outcomes. Research shows that medications and therapy together may be more successful than either treatment method alone. This module reviews and compares pharmacological treatment options for individuals with OUD, including methadone, buprenorphine (sublingual and long acting injectable formulations), and naltrexone (oral and long-acting intramuscular formulations). Current evidence for each medication will be reviewed in detail, including review of studies comparing outcomes with each medication. The purpose and goal of medications for OUD is also reviewed, including the role of counseling in treatment of OUD and different treatment models. This workshop will include discussion of case vignettes in which medication options for OUD are considered.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Define the pharmacological treatment options available for opioid use disorder and their mechanisms of action.
Summarize the current outcomes evidence for each medication for opioid use disorders.
Describe benefits and limitations of different medication options for opioid use disorder based on different clinical case presentations.